Surprises are everywhere after Bailey Fish’s grandmother, Sugar, decides to open a used-book store in a little barn at the neighboring Keswick Inn. When Bailey and her friends, Noah and Fred Keswick help Sugar unpack the cartons they discover that several books contain clues to a mystery involving an unusual Flroida shell. While the kids try to decode the meaning, a stranger shows up to search for specific books before the Book Barn is open.

Meanwhile, the Keswicks have surprises of their own with the arrival of more animals to live at the country inn near Lake Anna, Virginia. Then, Bailey helps the boys’ mother plan a special surprise for Sugar at the Book Barn’s grand opening, but there are unexpected results. finally, the treasure is revealed and Bailey makes a choice.